Introduction: Are you familiar with Jeremiah the prophet? If not, this will be a crash course on his calling, condition, confinement, courage, and compassion. It is very interesting, to say the least. The circumstances surrounding his calling just happen to be after one-half of his country, called Israel, was invaded and taken into captivity by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. However, he prophesied around 627-585 B.C. during the Babylonian invasion.
But the Lord called him before he was even born (Jer. 1:5). Amazing, huh? This alone reveals the predestined purposes of our living God. Fast forward: Paul writes to the Ephesian believers—and Christians—of this phenomenal truth:
“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.” (Eph. 1:11)
Anyway, back to Jeremiah. He began preaching around 20 years old while being instructed not to get married. He faithfully served our Lord for approximately 40 years, even though he faced irreconcilable differences with his nation. Is it any wonder he was called the weeping prophet?
From this brief devotion, we will focus on three main areas; namely, Lifelong Lessons from a NATIONAL perspective, a PERSONAL perspective, and finally, a SPIRITUAL perspective.
1. A NATIONAL Perspective (Jeremiah 2-19) – “And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks. And yet for all this, her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD.” (Jer. 3:8-10)
When a nation—whether Israel, Judah, or America—begins to slip down the slippery slopes of apostasy, she can expect the chastisement of the Lord to be executed. However, it will turn out for His glory and His people’s good.
Can you see His hand at work today on a NATIONAL level? Remember, things are being set up for Jesus Christ to return in glory and power and ultimately set up His government.
2. A PERSONAL Perspective (Jeremiah 20-32) – “Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD…. O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.” (Jer. 20:2,7)
“But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten. But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause. Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.” (Jer. 20:11-13)
Admittedly, at times, we do not always understand the ways and thoughts of our God (Isa. 55:8-9). But from a PERSONAL perspective, we can have faith in Him to fulfill His Word and will in our lives.
Are you going to believe Him today? Should you trust in your feelings?
3. A SPIRITUAL Perspective (Jeremiah 33-52) – “In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.” (Jer. 33:15-16)
“Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season.” (Jer. 33:20)
Thankfully, we have our Bibles! Therefore, we can know what our Lord is going to do with His people. This includes the Church as well as Israel. Hang on!
Conclusion: As demonstrated in the life and calling of the prophet Jeremiah, God’s purpose and plan may not always be received with delight from a NATIONAL perspective or a PERSONAL perspective. Yet ultimately, our God is sovereign. Therefore, His WILL is going to be done whether we like it or not.
So, in conclusion, our trust in His SPIRITUAL perspective is the key to navigating through this life with contentment and fulfillment until we see Jesus.
Enjoy the journey!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randal Reese
